The British Toy & Hobby Association was named Trade Association of the Year at this year’s Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards.

The overall Trade Association of the Year is given to the association which has demonstrated great success over many different areas of work on behalf of its membership.

In the specific category awards, the Toy Trust won the best CSR initiative of the year. The award recognised the contribution of the Toy Trust raised from across the toy industry to support many different children’s charities.

The association also won the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Social Media categories, as well as being a finalist in the Exhibition of the Year for Toy Fair. The Social Media Award was won by the BTHA’s Make Time 2 Play campaign, which gives parents free play ideas whilst also promoting the many benefits of play for child development.

Linda Cavender, chief executive at the Trade Association Forum (TAF), commented: “The BTHA has had a fantastic year, and has clearly demonstrated its prowess across a number of activities traditionally undertaken by trade associations which have been of great benefit to their industry and their membership. The legislative landscape for the toy industry has provided challenges, and BTHA has done a sterling job providing expert advice and guidance which is key to its members’ business success. The development of a toolkit for members has also seen success, as have social media campaigns, but perhaps one of the most notable achievements has been the agreement of a Primary Authority Coordinated Partnership, as part of the Toy Safety Directive.”

Natasha Crookes, BTHA’s director of public affairs and communications, added: “We’re thrilled to have won Association of the Year and are thankful to the Trade Association Forum for the recognition of our work at the BTHA. It was a lovely surprise for us all and this prestigious accolade is appreciated by entire team and our membership.”